A federal court denied a motion from the Staunton Circuit Court Clerk Monday seeking dismissal of a lawsuit challenging Virginia’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this year on behalf of two couples by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Virginia, Lambda Legal, and the law firm Jenner and Block, will move forward with the Staunton Circuit Court Clerk and the Registrar of Vital Records remaining as named defendants.

The court today also removed the governor as a named defendant in the case.

“We’re grateful that we have the chance to move ahead to challenge this discriminatory ban on behalf of loving and committed Virginia couples,” said Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia.

“We will continue to fight for families in Virginia and all across the country,” said Joshua Block, staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. “All loving families deserve the protection and dignity that come with marriage.”

The court recognized that “[i]t is abundantly clear that plaintiffs’ alleged harm is actual, concrete, and particularized,” noted Lambda Legal Counsel Greg Nevins.
“We couldn’t agree more, and we are happy that the court is going to force Virginia to defend its marriage exclusion on the merits.”

Web Design

You want a new website, but don’t have the first clue as to how to build one. That’s our job. We take care of all facets of web design – visual design, layout design and content development. Get your business online for as little as $1,299.Learn more about AFP Web Design services.

Graphic Design

The staff at Augusta Free Press Publishing has been recognized by the Virginia Press Association for excellence in layout and design. Whether you need a fresh business card design, rack card, ad, flyer or full magazine design, we can help with all your graphic-design needs.Learn more about AFP Graphic Design services.

Marketing

Augusta Free Press manages advertising campaigns for small- and medium-sized businesses across Virginia. You don’t need to hire a full-time marketing coordinator. Bring the experience of the Augusta Free Press team to work for you – for a fraction of the cost.Learn more about AFP Marketing services.